Protests erupt across the country demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Protests are spreading across the country to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with rallies and demonstrations hitting multiple cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Protests and Reactions

The agitation is led by the CJP, whose supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where film personalities joined the demonstration on Friday. Police detained several protesters at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, carrying many away. The BJP has criticized actors for supporting the protests, while West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh dismissed the agitation, stating that some groups need to protest on the streets ahead of upcoming municipal and corporation elections in a few states. Meanwhile, the Left hit the streets in Kolkata to demand Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee raised the same demand during an INDIA bloc meeting.

Rahul Gandhi's Satyagraha Website

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a website named Satyagraha to unite protests happening across different parts of the country. He stated that the platform aims to bring together the individual struggles of Gen Z, students, farmers, tribals, Dalits, and women, adding that isolated voices are often suppressed and his initiative aims to offer help.

Context

These nationwide demonstrations follow earlier protests by the same group over the question paper leak issue, which previously put pressure on the central government regarding former Education Minister Dharmendra Prasad. Street agitations and digital campaigns are common tools used by opposition parties and civil groups to rally public support around high-profile governance disputes ahead of local or state polls.